Fenix HM53R vs Nitecore NU33 size comparison

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The Nitecore NU33 is 9 mm (0.35 in) shorter than the Fenix HM53R, with about the same max diameter/width. Weights are published on different bases (listed vs with battery and headband), so compare them with care.

Fenix HM53R · 71 mmNitecore NU33 · 62 mm

The Nitecore NU33 is 9 mm (0.35 in) shorter than the Fenix HM53R, with about the same max diameter/width. Weights are published on different bases (listed vs with battery and headband), so compare them with care.

Dimensions

Fenix HM53R
Check price ↗
Nitecore NU33
Check price ↗
Length71 mm (2.80 in)62 mm (2.44 in)−9 mm
Height36 mm (1.42 in)36 mm (1.42 in)same
Thickness37 mm (1.46 in)46 mm (1.81 in)+9 mm
Weight102 g with battery and headband96 g listed
Battery18350Built-in
Max output1,200 lm700 lm
Throw158 m135 m
TypeHeadlamp / right-angleHeadlamp / right-angle
Price$69.95 at fenixlighting.com, as of Nov 4, 2026$49.95 at batteryjunction.com, as of Nov 4, 2026
Sourcefenixlighting.com sourced
Headlamp unit; front view drawn width x height
batteryjunction.com sourced
Retailer lists 62 x 46 x 36 mm

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HM53R vs NU33: how they differ

Size and weight

The Nitecore NU33 is the shorter light: 62 mm (2.44 in) against 71 mm (2.80 in), a difference of 9 mm (13%). At their widest points they are about the same (36 vs 36 mm). Weights are published on different bases (Fenix HM53R: 102 g with battery and headband; Nitecore NU33: 96 g listed), so they are not directly comparable.

Brightness and throw

The Fenix HM53R is rated brighter: 1,200 lm maximum vs 700 lm for the Nitecore NU33, 71% more. For beam distance the Fenix HM53R reaches further: 158 m vs 135 m rated throw (17% more).

Battery

The Fenix HM53R runs on a removable 18350 battery; the Nitecore NU33 runs on a built-in rechargeable battery. Only the Fenix HM53R lets you swap in a charged spare.

Price

When we checked on Nov 4, 2026, the Fenix HM53R was $69.95 at fenixlighting.com and the Nitecore NU33 $49.95 at batteryjunction.com, so the Nitecore NU33 cost $20.00 less. Prices change often, so check the current price before you buy.

Type

Both are headlamps / right-angle lights in our catalog with a headlamp body.

Which should you buy?

Choose the Fenix HM53R if you want more output (1,200 lm vs 700 lm), longer throw (158 m vs 135 m) and a removable cell you can swap. Choose the Nitecore NU33 if you want a shorter light (9 mm shorter) and a built-in battery with no separate cell to buy. We compare published size, weight, output, throw and battery only, not runtime, interface or build quality.

Check price ↗ Fenix HM53R Check price ↗ Nitecore NU33

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HM53R vs NU33 FAQ

Which is smaller, the Fenix HM53R or the Nitecore NU33?

The Nitecore NU33 is the shorter light: 62 mm (2.44 in) against 71 mm (2.80 in), a difference of 9 mm (13%). At their widest points they are about the same (36 vs 36 mm). Weights are published on different bases (Fenix HM53R: 102 g with battery and headband; Nitecore NU33: 96 g listed), so they are not directly comparable.

Which is brighter, the Fenix HM53R or the Nitecore NU33?

The Fenix HM53R is rated brighter: 1,200 lm maximum vs 700 lm for the Nitecore NU33, 71% more. For beam distance the Fenix HM53R reaches further: 158 m vs 135 m rated throw (17% more).

Which is cheaper, the Fenix HM53R or the Nitecore NU33?

When we checked on Nov 4, 2026, the Fenix HM53R was $69.95 at fenixlighting.com and the Nitecore NU33 $49.95 at batteryjunction.com, so the Nitecore NU33 cost $20.00 less. Prices change often, so check the current price before you buy.

Do the Fenix HM53R and Nitecore NU33 use the same battery?

The Fenix HM53R runs on a removable 18350 battery; the Nitecore NU33 runs on a built-in rechargeable battery. Only the Fenix HM53R lets you swap in a charged spare.

Compare Fenix HM53R with similar lights

HM53R vs HP12R-THM53R vs HM23 V2.0HM53R vs HM50R V2.0HM53R vs Bandit ProHM53R vs HM65RHM53R vs Perun 3 Mini

Compare Nitecore NU33 with similar lights

NU33 vs HP12R-TNU33 vs HP16RNU33 vs HP25R V2.0NU33 vs HM50R V2.0NU33 vs HL12R V2.0NU33 vs HM55R

More

Fenix HM53R size & specsNitecore NU33 size & specsBest headlampsAll Fenix lightsAll Nitecore lightsBest EDC flashlights

Sources

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